High School

Oxford program builds on success School had 3 state champs last spring BY MARK JAFFEE REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN

OXFORD — The championship banners have been been raised and the individual rings passed out as constant reminders of the unforgettable 2013 spring sports season at Oxford High.

The boys volleyball team, along with the baseball and softball squads, and a few track and field athletes, earned state championships last season to put a stamp on the fifth-year varsity program.

"Our team and the other sports put Oxford on the map," said Oxford senior volleyball co-captain Ed Carver, a member of the 23-0 undefeated and Class M state championship team, which beat Enfield, 3-0. "We had such a great fan base all of the way through. It boosted our morale and gave us so much confidence."

That has extended to this season.

"We definitely have a target on our backs now, but I love that challenge," said Oxford senior volleyball player Josh Thorne. "We are ready to compete. We definitely have high hopes."

So do the Wolverines' baseball team. Just ask Oxford senior pitcher Kyle Chudoba, who was the winning pitcher in Oxford's 4-0 win over Cromwell in the Class S final at Palmer Field. The Wolverines went 18-7. a hufe jump from 1-19 in 2009.

"Every so often, I catch myself daydreaming," admitted Chudoba. "But like coach (Brian Hourigan) always tells us, we want to build a program. not just have one good year. We can't harp on our success. We have a new team and we need to move on. We're not going to be able to sneak up on anyone. Teams are going to give it their best against us and we have to give it our best."

Oxford four-year starting shortstop Dale Keller agreed.

"We have a name now," said Keller. "There's always pressure in baseball. We just need to learn to stay calm. We all need to do our jobs."

That collective effort led the Wolverines' softball team to the Class S title anmd a 22-3 record.

Who scored the game-winning run with two outs in the bottom of the seventh to give the Wolverines' a 1-0 win over Terryville in the final?

Pinch-runner Makena Hillman, subbing for Allyson Sweeney, scored from second base on Katelyn Wentz's double to support the pitching the three-hit, 15-strikeout effort of Ashley Guillette at West Haven High.

"I went in as a pinch-runner late in games throughout the season, so I was comfortable in that suituation," said Hillman, now a sophomore. "As soon as Katelyn made contact, I took off and didn't care where the ball went. I didn't look back. Win or lose, I was going to try and score. The home-plate umpire told me to stay up and the whole team was screaming and was waiting for me. It made me so proud of my teammates. I didn't have much to do with it. I got lucky, I guess."

During Tuesday's practice, Oxford senior catcher Kaley Kempf believes she and her teammates can relive that glory.

"It's a new opportunity," said Kempf. "We have a chance to do great things. It took a team effort to win last year and we'll need everyone to contribute again."

Her batteymate, Guillette, a junior, knows it's possible.

"There's not pressure on us; it's more excitement," Guillette, who received her championship ring on her 17th birthday on Oct. 18. "The program has gotten better over the years. We have talent, skill and everyone's support."

On the track, Oxford had some individual success. Taylor Drayton, the 2013 Class S girls champion in the shot put and discus, is also the defending State Open champion.

"I'm really glad to see the school being decorated and honored," said Drayton, now a senior. "It shows a lot on what Oxford athletes are made of. We all root for and encourage each other. There's a real community atmosphere."

As a freshman, Savada Robinson won the 300 hurdles for Oxford.

On the boys side, Cameron Swift set a state record in the 1,600 meters and anchored the winning 4 x 400 and 4 x 800 relays. The other three relay members were Bandon Au, Au, Faber, Flach and Swift also won the 4 x 800 relay at the New England championships.

Chris Faber and Ryan Flach, now a senior. Au, Faber and Swift graduated in June.

"I miss them (Au, Faber and Swift). but I know someone will step up this season," said Flach. "People know that Oxford is no longer an underdog. We have to keep going hard. I can't ease up or someone will take my spot. I don't take anything for granted. It pays off in the end."

Post a reader comment

We encourage your feedback and dialog. Please be civil and respectful.If you're witty, to the point and quotable, your reader comments may also be included on the Around the Towns page of The Sunday Republican. Readers must be registered and logged in to post comments on the site. Registration is free. Click Here to register.
A Subscription is not required to post comments only a Registration.